How to Protect Your Home and Car from Holiday Theft: A Guide to Keeping Your Property Safe
The holiday season is a time for joy, giving, and spending time with loved ones, but it’s also when theft and break-ins tend to spike. As we decorate our homes, shop for gifts, and travel to see family, thieves take advantage of these distractions to target our homes and vehicles. While it can feel unsettling to think about, being aware of how and why theft increases during the holidays—and knowing how to protect yourself—can help prevent you from becoming a victim.
Why Does Theft Increase During the Holidays?
Several factors contribute to the rise in theft during the holiday season. First, there’s a significant increase in shopping activity. People are out purchasing gifts, and many of these items—such as electronics, jewelry, and toys—are high-value targets for thieves. Additionally, homes often have more valuable items visible, such as Christmas presents under the tree, electronics, or expensive decorations.
Moreover, many people travel during the holidays, leaving their homes vacant and easy targets for burglars. With longer hours of darkness, it's easier for thieves to operate under the cover of night. Holiday festivities and gatherings can also lead to distractions, making it easier for criminals to steal packages or access unlocked vehicles.
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Common and Not-So-Common Thieves’ Techniques
Thieves have become increasingly sophisticated in their methods, ranging from well-known tricks to surprising and less obvious techniques. Here are some of the most common and some that might catch you off guard:
1. Package Theft (Porch Piracy)
The rise of online shopping has led to an increase in package thefts. Thieves will follow delivery trucks or simply monitor neighborhoods to snatch packages left on doorsteps. Often, the items being stolen are high-demand gifts like electronics or clothing.
How to Protect Yourself
- Use tracking services to monitor deliveries.
- Have packages delivered to a secure location, like your workplace or a friend’s house.
- Invest in a smart doorbell camera to capture activity around your doorstep.
- Install a lockbox or porch vault for packages.
2. Car Break-Ins (Smash-and-Grab)
Holiday shopping sprees can lead to a rise in car break-ins. Thieves often target cars parked in public places like shopping centers, where bags or shopping carts filled with items are left in plain view. A quick smash-and-grab can lead to stolen valuables, from electronics to personal information.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never leave valuables in plain sight—lock them in your trunk or take them with you.
- Be mindful of where you park. Park in well-lit, busy areas.
- Always lock your car, even if you’re just running in for a quick errand.
- Install a car alarm or a steering wheel lock for added security.
3. Home Burglary (Targeting Vacant Homes)
Burglars know that many people travel or spend extended time away during the holidays. They may even follow you home after seeing you load up your car with bags of gifts or luggage. Once you leave, they may break in, targeting expensive gifts or even cash.
How to Protect Yourself
- Light up your home with timers that turn lights on and off to create the illusion of someone being home.
- Ask a trusted neighbor to watch over your home, sign up for vacation watch with your local constable or sheriff's office, or consider hiring a house-sitting service.
- Don’t post travel plans on social media until after your trip.
- Secure windows and doors with deadbolt locks or a security system.
- Don't leave a key to your home under the front door mat or in a pot near your front door. Instead, consider using a secure lock box.
- Hide gifts well out of sight, not visible through windows.
4. Social Engineering (Scammers Posing as Delivery Drivers or Carriers)
During the holidays, scammers may take advantage of the season to try and access your home or steal personal information. They may pose as delivery drivers, claiming they need access to your home to deliver a package, or call pretending to be from your bank, asking for account information.
How to Protect Yourself
- Never open the door to someone you weren’t expecting. Verify their identity by calling the company directly.
- Be cautious about unsolicited phone calls or emails asking for personal or financial information.
- Verify delivery statuses with tracking numbers and avoid giving out personal details over the phone.
5. The "Unattended Shopping Cart" Trick
Thieves may target unattended shopping carts in stores, knowing that shoppers will leave items behind while browsing. While you’re busy picking out your next item, someone may quickly snatch your wallet, phone, or bags from your cart.
How to Protect Yourself
- Always stay with your cart and keep valuables like your wallet and phone close.
- Use a cross-body bag or a money clip to avoid having to set your purse or wallet down.
- In crowded stores, be mindful of your surroundings and alert to anyone standing too close to your cart. Alert store management or security personnel of suspicious persons and ask for an escort to your vehicle if you feel unsafe.
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What Are Thieves After?
Thieves are after high-value, easily resold items. Here’s what you need to watch out for:
- Electronics: Laptops, smartphones, tablets, and gaming systems.
- Jewelry & Watches: High-value items, especially those left out in plain sight. If you wash your hands in a public place, be sure to keep your jewelry on so you don't leave it behind in the restroom.
- Cash: Hidden cash or wallets are prime targets.
- Gift Cards: These are easy to use or resell.
- Designer Items: Handbags, clothing, and shoes.
- Cars and Catalytic Converters: During the holidays, vehicle thefts, especially for high-end cars and parts like catalytic converters, rise.
How to Protect Your Property Over the Holidays
While no security measure is 100% foolproof, taking these simple steps can greatly reduce your risk of falling victim to theft this holiday season:
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Upgrade Your Security System: Consider installing or upgrading your home security system with features like cameras, motion detectors, and remote monitoring. Many modern systems can send alerts to your phone if something unusual happens.
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Use Timers and Smart Devices: Set timers for lights, TV, or radios to make it look like someone is home when you're out shopping or traveling. Consider smart devices with tracking capabilities for your purse or even your vehicle.
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Stay Vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings, whether you're at home or out shopping. Trust your instincts—if something feels off, take precautions.
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Secure Deliveries: Use services like Amazon Key or package lockers at shipping centers to ensure deliveries are safely received.
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Avoid Posting Travel Plans: Don’t share photos or announce your holiday plans on social media until after your trip is over. A thief may see your post and target your home while you’re away. Remember, thieves aren't strangers - sometimes, they're your neighbor, friend or even relative.
Final Thoughts
The holidays should be a time of celebration, not worry. By being proactive, taking simple security measures, and staying vigilant, you can reduce the risk of theft and enjoy the season with peace of mind. Whether you’re shopping for gifts or traveling to visit family, it’s important to think ahead and protect yourself from becoming a target. After all, your safety and security are the best gifts you can give yourself and your loved ones.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
